1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
1.2
The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty to which Australia has become a signatory, on the treaty being tabled in the Parliament.
1.3
The treaties, and matters arising from them, are evaluated to ensure that ratification is in the national interest, and that unintended or negative effects on Australia will not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by Government. This document considers arguments for and against the treaty, outlines the treaty obligations and any regulatory or financial implications, and reports the results of consultations undertaken with State and Territory Governments, Federal, State and Territory agencies, and with industry or non-government organisations.
1.5
The NIA for RCEP was accompanied by a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS). The RIS provides an account of the regulatory impact of the treaty action where adoption of the treaty will involve a change in the regulatory environment for Australian business.
1.6
The Committee takes account of these documents in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.7
Copies of the treaty text and associated documentation , including the NIA and RIS, may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:
1.8
The RCEP inquiry was advertised on the Committee website on 18 March 2021. Submissions were requested by 16 April 2021. Twenty-seven submissions were received.
1.9
The Committee held the following public hearings during this inquiry:
1.10
The public hearings had to be held in Canberra or remotely because of COVID-19 related restrictions. The hearings on 27 July 2021, 28 July 2021 and 30 July 2021 had originally been scheduled for Sydney, Melbourne and Perth respectively.
1.11
The transcripts of evidence from the public hearings may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website as listed above.
1.12
A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearings is at Appendix B.